Thursday 21 July 2011

Greek Frappé

So, today I'll be sharing a traditional Greek family recipe that I have passed along to many people. Frappé is the Greek version of iced coffee. It is super cheap, couldn't be quicker, and not to mention DELICIOUS! In Quebec, we are in the middle of a heat wave, and today the temperature is supposed to reach 44° C with the humidex, or about 111° F. What a scorcher! So this past week, I've been going for this icy option instead. Greeks are a VERY proud people (I can say that, as I'm married to one) and they are extremely proud to show off this recipe. I must say, though, that all of the ingredients are to my own personal preference. As with a hot cup of coffee, this amounts you use for this coffee should be modified to your liking. 

72" FRAPPE BANNER SIGN greek iced coffee cart cold signs

As for the coffee used in this recipe, let me just reassure everyone that I am SO not an instant coffee kind of girl when it comes to hot coffee, so don't through away the idea if you're not either. I am a 100 % drip coffee always with cream and sugar girl all the way. But in this case, it totally works. No blender, no freezing ice cubes, immediate results! There is a special instant coffee made for Frappé that you can check out here, but I haven't tried it out. Actually, there's even a book about it. One day I'll splurge, but everyone I know seems to use Maxwell House for this recipe. Currently I have this blend, but I must say my brother in law uses the regular strength, and I like it better. It's less bitter. But here you go:

You'll need:


  • A drink shaker, or any sturdy jar with a tight-fitting lid
  • 1 heaping tsp instant coffee
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 5ish ice cubes
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 3/4 cup skim milk
I could give you pictures of me adding in each ingredient... but I think you're all better than that. Dump 'em all in! Shake, shake, shake!  I use a shaker like this one:

Premium Cocktail Shaker Set - 24 oz Stainless Steel

A word of warning - on more than one occasion, I've been super happy about the upcoming Frappé and started busting a move, letting one hand off the shaker. Needless to day, I found coffee stains all over my white and grey kitchen, actually all the way into the hall and the bathroom for about a week after. As much as I cleaned, the stains kept magically appearing!!! So two hands people, learn from my mistakes. Anyway, this is what you end up with:


I think there's something about that instant coffee that foams right up, especially if you use skim milk. You could also add some ice cream, but I leave that for a special treat, not a regular. Not so conducive to the Mediterranean Diet - although certainly not outlawed. Moderation, people.

If you're going to try just one of the recipes I've posted up to now, I sure hope it's this one. It is a huge staple in my family, and I've converted many friends as well. I hope you enjoy it, I'd love to hear if anyone tries it out at home!

Have a great day, and enjoy the summer while it lasts!



14 comments:

  1. OK, that does sound good. It certainly beats waiting for brewing and cooldown. Guess I'll have to add instant coffee to the grocery list and give it a whirl! :)

    Adrianne
    happyhourprojects.blogspot.com

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  2. I'm curious to hear what you think! Just remember you might have to adjust the amounts according to what you like. Have a great day!

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  3. Looks good! Visiting from Little Lucy Lu's hop :) And PS... you had me at Greek. I'm just a little bit Greek, but Grandma was full blooded, with lots of brothers and sisters and recipes and stories.

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  4. lol I hear ya. I'm not technically Greek at all... But I feel like I sorta am since my in-laws are. Thanks for stopping by, and please let me know if you'd like to share any of those awesome Greek Grandma recipes on my blog!

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  5. I am definitely trying this one. I'm so happy to find your blog. I've been interested in the Mediterranean diet and finding your blog is an inspiration to me. I'm your newest follower and I look forward to getting to know you. Have a wonderful weekend!

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  6. Well I'm so happy you feel that way, I really believe it's the right way to go! Thanks for following, I'm looking forward to seeing your blog!

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  7. Definitely trying this! I don't remember how but we ended up with a bunch of Starbucks Via instant coffee packets. Now I have something to do with them!

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  8. I could say I am now laughing cause I actually am Greek and here Frappe seems to be beaten by freddo espresso!! Your recipe is good, we do not use shaker so much but somenthing like this:

    http://www.getitnow.gr/prod/gia-to-spiti/ilektrikes-mikrosyskeyes/alles-oikiakes-syskeyes/htypitiri-kafe-severin-9669/prod510824pp/

    which makes it even better! Not everybody puts milk in it!! I can though reassure you that the kind of coffee Frappe is made of, is one of the worst!! It can keep you awake all night!!
    Thanks for sharing this, it made me happy finding it here! And after you make your coffee you can drink it: στην υγειά μας! As we say, to our health!

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  9. Hi Kim,
    I just love your Greek Frappe' and your blog. I am you newest follower! I can't wait to try this Frappe' it looks delicious. Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and hope to see you again real soon. Have a great week!
    Miz Helen

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  10. Rain: how interesting the way things differ, I guess depending what part of Greece your in maybe? Anyway, here in Montreal, where there are lots of Greeks, it seems to be made with a shaker. So interesting, thanks for that information! I have one of those things for Cappuccino. I have to say though, I can't stand it without milk, that's why I didn't mention it:)

    Miz Helen: Thanks so much for following! I've been checking out your blog recently too, and I just love it. See you Thursday!

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  11. Hi Kim,

    We have a great local Greek restaurant, Yamas, where I once had a fabulous Frappe. I loved it! Have you had real Greek coffee? Oh-my-goodness! It's sooo thick and strong!
    I will definitely try your recipe.
    PS: Very much agree with the Med Diet. I learned that from living in Europe for the past 14 years. And a glass or two of wine with dinner (in France even with lunch) is seen as a healthy habit and very much enjoyed.
    Am also following your blog. :)

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  12. Hi Paola, I'm so glad you came to check out my blog. Yes, my in-laws make Greek (or Turkish) coffee all the time. For some reason it's the ongoing joke that they ask everyone if they want one about 7 times every time we visit, because usually no one wants it. I do like it sometimes, but as you say, it's pretty intense. And you have to watch out for that bottom 1/2 inch of mud!! I'm so in on the wine part of the diet. Love it!

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  13. Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my blog. As a big fan of Mediterranean cuisine, I'll be coming by to see what you're up to.

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